Hegemonic masculinity

Definition

Hegemonic masculinity refers to the dominant form of masculinity that is culturally exalted, often characterized by traits such as authority, control, and competitiveness. It shapes social norms and expectations surrounding gender, reinforcing power structures that privilege men over women and other expressions of masculinity. This concept is critical in understanding how gender relations function within societal frameworks and how power dynamics perpetuate inequality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hegemonic masculinity is often linked to ideals of toughness, emotional suppression, and heterosexuality, which can marginalize those who do not conform to these standards.
2. This concept was introduced by sociologist R.W. Connell in the early 1990s as part of her broader work on gender relations and power dynamics.
3. Hegemonic masculinity is not static; it can evolve over time as societal norms change, but it consistently reinforces male dominance and authority.
4. In feminist political theory, hegemonic masculinity is critiqued for its role in perpetuating gender-based violence and discrimination against women and non-binary individuals.
5. The idea highlights how various masculinities exist within a hierarchy, where certain expressions are legitimized while others are stigmatized or marginalized.

Review Questions

• How does hegemonic masculinity shape social norms around gender roles?
  • Hegemonic masculinity shapes social norms by establishing expectations for behavior that reinforce traditional male dominance. This dominant form of masculinity often dictates that men should exhibit traits like aggression, control, and competitiveness while discouraging vulnerability or emotional expression. As a result, these norms contribute to a societal framework that privileges men over women and reinforces inequalities based on gender.
• Discuss the implications of hegemonic masculinity within the framework of feminist political theory.
  • Within feminist political theory, hegemonic masculinity is seen as a critical factor in understanding the systemic nature of gender inequality. It emphasizes how dominant masculine norms create power imbalances that marginalize women and non-binary individuals. By critiquing these norms, feminist theory seeks to dismantle the social structures that sustain male dominance and advocate for more equitable gender relations.
• Evaluate the role of hegemonic masculinity in contemporary society and its impact on various identities.
  • In contemporary society, hegemonic masculinity continues to exert significant influence over cultural norms and individual behavior. It affects not only men's actions but also the way women and non-binary individuals navigate their identities in relation to dominant expectations. The persistence of these norms contributes to issues like gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and the stigmatization of alternative masculinities. Analyzing this concept helps highlight the complexities of gender dynamics and the necessity for intersectional approaches to challenge entrenched power structures.

Related terms

Gender Norms: Socially constructed roles and behaviors considered appropriate for men and women, which dictate how individuals should act based on their gender.

Patriarchy: A social system in which men hold primary power and dominate roles in political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

Intersectionality:

A framework for understanding how various forms of inequality and identity, such as race, class, gender, and sexuality, intersect and shape individual experiences.